BACKGROUND: Researches indicate that interleukin-6 (IL-6) in blood has changed during the process of the edema and infection of spinal cord.It is found that IL-6 participates in the course of spinal cord lesion according to the further researches. It is also presumed that the IL-6 is correlated with the edema of spinal cord accompanied nervous system diseases.OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of the receptor antagonist of the IL-6 on the traumatic edema of spinal cord, and explore the effect of IL-6 in the process of the edema of spinal cord.DESIGN: Randomized control experiment with animals as subjects.SETTING: Department of Orthopedic, Hospital Affiliated to Guangdong Medical College.MATERIALS: The experiment was completed from January to December 2004 in the Animal Experimental Center of Guangdong Medical College.Forty male Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into the normal group, the wound group, the saline control group and the receptor antagonist of the IL-6 treated group with 10 rats in each group.METHODS: ① The receptor antagonist of the IL-6 treated group: Blast injury of the thoracic spinal cord was made by the sap pressure, and the injection with the receptor antagonist of the IL-6 was given at the injured region with microinjector. ② The wound group: There was not the procedure of administration and placement of the tube. ③ The saline control group: The IL-6 was replaced with the sterile-physiological saline solution (SPSS), and the other procedures were the same as those of the receptor antagonist of the IL-6 treated group. ④ The normal group: There was not any treatment. All rats in each group were detected with magnetic resonance. The water content in the spinal cord was determined with the dry and humid weight method, and the status of the edema of spinal cord was observed with the electron microscope and the pathological image analysis after dyeing with hematine-eosine.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① The results of the examination of the rats in each group with the magnetic resonance. ② The water content in the spinal cord of rats in each group. ③ The status of the edema of spinal cord was observed with the electron microscope and the pathological image analysis.RESULTS: All the 40 rats entered the result analysis. ① The edema of the T2 w eighting image in the receptor antagonist of the IL-6 treated group was relieved as compared with that in the wound group and the saline control group. ② The water content of the injured region in the receptor antagonist of the IL-6 treated group, the wound group and the saline control group was higher than that in the normal group [ (81.68±1.39)%, (79.72±1.49)%, (82.59±1.12)%, (77.19±0.64)% ,P ＜ 0.01].The water content of the injured region in the wound group was higher than that in the normal group(P ＜ 0.01), and the receptor antagonist of the IL-6 treated group was lower than that of the wound group (P ＜ 0.01). ③The cell body of the gray substance was contracted, the inter-space around the cell was enlarged and the nerve cells were lost in the wound group;The saline control group was not significantly different as compared with the wound group; The cellular edema, degeneration and the necrosis in the receptor antagonist of the IL-6 treated group was milder than that in the wound group.CONCLUSION: The receptor antagonist of the IL-6 has the therapeutical effect on the traumatic edema of spinal cord. The endogenous IL-6 participates in the development of the traumatic edema of spinal cord.

Objective To determine the inhibitive effect of interferon-a on hepatic metastasis of colon cancer. Methods Metastatic model of human colon cancer was established by orthotopic implantation of histologically intact human tumor tissue into the colon wall of nude mice.The mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:(1)Control group(receiving saline solution only);(2)5-FU treatment group;(3) IFN-?-2b treatment group;and(4)5-FU combined with IFN-?-2b treatment group(combined group). 5-FU and IFN-?-2b were given via peritoneum injection 1 time/2 days for eight weeks.The mice were killed at nine weeks.The tumors were weighed,the microvessel density(MVD) was detected,and the liver was examined histologically in order to discover the micrometastasis. Results In control group, 5-FU group,IFN-2b group and combined group,the tumor weight was(1.53?0.78)g,(0.87?0.59)g,(0.81?0.43)g and ( 0.23?0.09)g, respectively;the tumor inhibition rate was 0,43.1%,47.1% and 84.9%, respectively;the hepatic metastasis rate was 85.7%,78.6%,21.4% and 0 respectively.MVD in IFN-? group and combined group was significant lower than that in control group and 5-FU group. Conclusions IFN-? can inhibit the growth and hepatic metastasis of orthotopic implanted human colon cancer by inhibiting the tumor angiogenesis.It may be more effective when INF-? combined with cyotoxic agents.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of dental erosion among college students in Guangzhou and to provide necessary information for the prevention.

METHODSA total of 1704 16-24-year-old students from six colleges or universities were assessed for dental erosion. Data on the social economical status, eating habits, oral hygiene habits, and other related factors were obtained through questionnaire. The influencing factors were analyzed by chi(2)-test and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSFive hundreds and one of the 1704 subjects suffered from dental erosion (29.4%). The teeth most frequently affected were the upper and lower incisors and first mandibular molar. For tooth surfaces were incisal/occlusal surfaces [66.1% (5491/8311)] and labial/buccal surfaces [31.0% (2574/8311)]. Logistic regression analysis showed that female, those who were not the only child in the family, and students who consumed carbonated drinks more than once per week or drank 500 ml or more of acidic beverages per week were more likely to have dental erosion.

CONCLUSIONSControl of the consuming of acidic beverages is an important measure for the prevention of dental erosion.

Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Prevalence ; Tooth Erosion ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between the concentrations of lactoferrin and lysozyme in saliva and dental caries in primary dentition among Chinese children.

METHODSForty children with high dmft score (dmft > or = 5) and 40 caries-free children (dmft = 0) were sampled and assigned into two groups. Total salivary proteins was measured by means of bicinchoninic acid. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was performed to analyze the images of target straps. Lactoferrin and lysozyme were detected using Western blotting method.

RESULTSThe total salivary protein in high dmft group [(852.02 +/- 206.14) mg/L] was lower than that of caries-free group [(1032.44 +/- 221.99) mg/L, P < 0.001]. The ratio of 77,000 protein in high dmft group [(12.50 +/- 7.73) IA/microg] was significantly higher than that of the caries-free children [(8.71 +/- 4.28) IA/microg, P = 0.009], while there was no significant difference for 14,500 protein between them (P = 0.137). The ratio of lactoferrin was higher in high dmft group [(229.04 +/- 197.14) IA/microg] than that in caries-free children [(144.07 +/- 99.91) IA/microg, P = 0.018], while no significant difference for lysozyme between the two groups (P = 0.091).

CONCLUSIONSSaliva protein is closely related to caries in primary dentition. Lactoferrin may be one of the important components.

Case-Control Studies ; Child, Preschool ; Dental Caries ; epidemiology ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Lactoferrin ; metabolism ; Male ; Muramidase ; metabolism ; Prevalence ; Saliva ; chemistry ; Salivary Proteins and Peptides ; Tooth, Deciduous

Dendritic Cell Sarcoma, Follicular ; pathology ; Dendritic Cell Sarcoma, Interdigitating ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology

Objective To screen protective antigen genes and construct the T7 phage display library from adult worms of Schistosoma japonicum.Methods Total RNA was extracted from adult worms of S.japonicum by Trizol reagent and mRNA was isolated from the total RNA.The ds cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription using random primer.Directional EcoRⅠ/HindⅢ linkers were ligated into the ends of ds cDNA and the ds cDNA was digested with EcoRⅠand HindⅢ,which resulted in ds cDNA with EcoRⅠand HindⅢ adhering ends.The digested ds cDNA fragments longer than 300 bp in length were fractionated and ligated into T7 Select 10-3b vector.After packaging in vitro,the T7 Select 10-3b vector was transformed into BLT5403 to construct the T7 phage display cDNA library.Plaque assay and PCR were used to evaluate the library.Seven known objective genes of S.japonicum were screened by PCR to detect the representation of the library.Result Primary library capacity was 4.98?106 pfu,and the titer of amplified library was 3.85?1011 pfu/mL.The PCR identification result of 96 clones picked at random showed that recombination rate was 93.8%,in which 95.6% inserted cDNA fragments were longer than 300 bp in length.All the seven known objective genes of S.japonicum were amplified from the library.Conclusion The T7 phage display library from adult worms of Schistosoma japonicum was constructed.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized clinically by rigidity, akinesia, resting tremor and postural instability. It has recently been suggested that low frequency stimulation of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) has a role in the therapy for Parkinsonism, particularly in gait disorder and postural instability. However, there is limited information about the mechanism of low frequency stimulation of the PPN on Parkinson's disease. The present study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of low frequency stimulation of the PPN on the firing rate of the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus (VL) in a rat model with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesioning of the substantia nigra pars compacta. In vivo extracellular recording and microiontophoresis were adopted. The results showed that the firing rate of 60.71% VL neurons in normal rats and 59.57% VL neurons in 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats increased with low frequency stimulation of the PPN. Using microiontophoresis to VL neurons, we found the firing rate in VL neurons responded with either an increase or decrease in application of acetylcholine (ACh) in normal rats, whereas with a predominant decrease in M receptor antagonist atropine. Furthermore, the VL neurons were mainly inhibited by application of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and excited by GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline. Importantly, the VL neurons responding to ACh were also inhibited by application of GABA. We also found that the excitatory response of the VL neurons to the low frequency stimulation of the PPN was significantly reversed by microiontophoresis of atropine. These results demonstrate that cholinergic and GABAergic afferent nerve fibers may converge on the same VL neurons and they are involved in the effects of low frequency stimulation of the PPN, with ACh combining M(2) receptors on the presynaptic membrane of GABAergic afferents, which will inhibit the release of GABA in the VL and then improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Acetylcholine ; metabolism ; Action Potentials ; Animals ; Cholinergic Fibers ; physiology ; Electric Stimulation ; Male ; Oxidopamine ; Parkinson Disease, Secondary ; chemically induced ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Ventral Thalamic Nuclei ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo explore the attitude of the public to the psychosocial effects of fluorosis through investigating the public in different areas.

METHODSTwenty typical fluorosis photos were selected and evaluated by the public in Xingtai, Beijing and Guangzhou, which included 101 dentists, 118 dental students, 103 college students in non-dental schools, 102 clerks and 92 leaders. Each evaluator was required to answer seven five-point questions according to each photo.

RESULTSThe mean of the public evaluation was going up with the increase of Dean's Index (DI) score, ranging from 2.21 to 4.74, meanwhile, the prevalence of reporting that fluorosis would affect their psychosocial status also ascended. Less than 25% people reported that very mild fluorosis (DI < or = 1) would affect the psychosocial status of patients, and mild fluorosis (DI = 2) would affect 25% - 56%, while the prevalence would increase to 48% - 97% in severe fluorosis group (DI > or = 3). "Bivariate Correlation Analysis" showed that significant correlation existed in the evaluation of the public and the degree of fluorosis. The scores of dentists were significantly lower than those of dental students, college students in non-dental schools and clerks. The evaluation scores of the public in Xingtai were generally higher than those in Beijing and Guangzhou.

CONCLUSIONSMild or less fluorosis could lead to little psychosocial effects.

Fluorosis, Dental ; psychology ; Humans ; Psychology, Social

OBJECTIVETo treat the comminute distal radius fractures by improved splint, and obersve the curative effect and compare the radiology with the traditional splint.

METHODSNinety-two patients with distal radius comminute fracture were randomly divided into two groups. There were 38 males and 54 females. The average age was 63 years old ranging from 23 to 82. Acording to AO classification on the distal fracture of the radius, there were 15 cases of A3, 40 cases of C1, 26 cases of C2 and 11 cases of C3. After all patients were treated by manipulative reduction, 46 cases of the treatment group were fixed supra-carpometacarpal joints by improved splint and trapezoid pad, the other 46 cases of control group were treated with the traditional spilint. Both groups were regularly taken X-ray recheck and changed dressings to obtain the clinical cicatrization. Patients were guided to do functional exercise after splints were taken off. Six weeks later all patients were evaluated the curative and radiologic effect according to Gartland-Werlley wrist score and Lidstrom grade respectively.

RESULTSAccording to wrist score,there were 13 cases on excellent, 34 cases on fine and 9 cases on normal in treatment group, which average score was (4.0 +/- 2.6) and the percent of wrist functional fitness was 80.6%. There were 9 cases on excellen, 19 cases on fine and 18 cases on normal in control group, which average score was (6.0 +/- 4.2) and the percent of wrist grad and 4 cases on the third grade in treatment group. There were 22 cases on the first grade, 16 cases on the second grad and 8 cases on the third grade in control group.

CONCLUSIONThe outcome of improved splint was better than that of traditional splint on the function and radiology for treating the comminute distal radius fracture.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Fracture Healing ; Fractures, Comminuted ; pathology ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures ; pathology ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Recovery of Function ; Splints

OBJECTIVETo explore the risk factors of children with high dmft.

METHODSIn suburban of Guangzhou, oral health of 401 3 - 4-year-old children were examined and structured questionnaire were completed by their parents. 120 children with highest number of dmft (dmft > or = 5) and 118 caries-free children were chosen for case-control analysis.

RESULTSThe results of logistic regression analysis showed that the factors associated with high dmft were developmental defect of enamel, visible plaque index, frequency of toothbrushing, frequency of sugar consumption, and income.

CONCLUSIONSAdvocating brushing teeth at least twice daily, controlling the frequency of sugar consuming, reducing the developmental defect of enamel and paying more attention to the oral health of lower income population may effectively reduce dental caries of the children.

Child, Preschool ; Dental Caries ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Oral Health ; Oral Hygiene ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tooth, Deciduous